Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thai man seized for laundering 5 million baht from online gambling
In a striking cyber raid, the Thai authorities arrested a 29 year old man in Nonthaburi for his involvement in an online gambling ring and for laundering over 5 million baht through multiple transactions. The arrest was part of a larger crackdown on illegal online gambling activities facilitated by the website wtf55, which offered games such as Baccarat and Dragon Tiger.…
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Secret talks with rebels: Ex-PM Thaksin’s shadow diplomacy
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s clandestine discussions with Myanmar’s resistance groups have ignited a storm of controversy. As the international community watches with bated breath, the House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs gears up for a probing investigation into this explosive development. The House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs announced a thorough investigation into the reports…
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Traffic violation leads to serious bike crash in South Pattaya
A tragic accident occurred in South Pattaya yesterday, resulting in a sports bike rider sustaining serious injuries following a collision with a sedan. The 52 year old driver of the sedan, who allegedly disregarded a red light, was involved in the accident at 2.46am on Sukhumvit Road. Upon arriving at the scene, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation found a heavily…
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Ricegate scandal: 10 year old rice stockpile unsafe for consumption
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) demanded rigorous quality and safety checks for a colossal 15,000 tonnes of jasmine rice, stockpiled since 2014 under the controversial rice-pledging scheme. The council, joined by an academic from Chiang Mai University, fears the rice may be laced with harmful chemicals, rendering it unfit for human or animal consumption. Deputy Chief of the TCC’s policies…
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School van driver confesses to murder of woman in Roi Et
Investigations concluded yesterday as police made a definitive arrest of a school van driver for the murder of a 23 year old woman whose body was found handcuffed, abandoned in a scrubland by the Chi River in Roi Et province. After a meticulous search, authorities apprehended a 67 year old school van driver, named Ken, from the same village as…
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Pattaya officials provide free water to drought-hit Koh Larn island
Residents of Koh Larn breathed a sigh of relief as the Governor of Chon Buri, and city officials made their way to the island on May 7, bearing the gift of water. Thailand’s ongoing dry season had left the locals parched, thereby leading to this much-needed intervention that saw the distribution of 100,000 litres of free water. This act of…
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Bangkok building crumbles unexpectedly, no injuries reported (video)
A demolition task spiralled into chaos as a building unexpectedly collapsed along Charan Sanitwong Road in Bangkok this morning. The incident, reported around 10.30am, May 8, by Tee Nee Bang Phlat Facebook, unfolded in the Bang Phlat district, leaving a trail of debris. The aftermath of the collapse saw portions of the wreckage spilling onto Charan Sanitwong Road, in the…
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Thai king appoints new Deputy Supreme Patriarch
The Thai monarch has elevated a senior monk to the high ecclesiastical title of Phra Dhammarajanuwatra at Wat Moleelokayaram Raja Woravihara, appointing him as the Deputy Supreme Patriarch, or the second-highest position in the Thai monastic hierarchy. This royal command was issued today and subsequently announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. The monk in question, Phra Phrom Vajirunhis, previously…
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Phuket police search for woman’s ex-girlfriend after acid attack
A manhunt is underway in Phuket, as police are fervently looking for a woman accused of committing a horrifying acid attack on her former partner. This violent incident unfolded yesterday evening on Soi Ta-iad, in the district of Chalong. The distressing call to authorities was made from outside a pharmacy situated opposite the popular Ali’s BBQ restaurant. The report came…
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Thai woman turns to Gun for help with polygamist cop husband
A Thai woman turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help after her alleged polygamist husband, a Cyber Police officer, allegedly assaulted her and refused to support their five children. The police officer reportedly has five wives and 16 children. Well-known Thai influencer Gun, today, May 8, accompanied the 37 year old Thai woman to the Royal Thai…
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Microsoft’s digital dynamo: Thailand tech scene ignited by AI blitz
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, unveiled ambitious plans to supercharge Thailand’s digital landscape with a surge in Data and AI initiatives. The tech giant’s commitment extends to fostering a robust AI ecosystem, offering over 100,000 individuals the chance to upskill and dive into the world of artificial intelligence. “This marks a pivotal moment for Thailand, propelling us into…
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Thai protest leader gets 3-year sentence for lese majeste violation
The Criminal Court has sentenced a key protest leader to four years in prison for lese-majeste law violation. The verdict was delivered in absentia after the defendant, 28 year old Panupong, also known as Mike Jadnok, failed to appear for the second time in today’s hearing at 10am, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road. Panupong, charged with making defamatory statements…
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Thailand’s spectacular showcase at Arabian Travel Market 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unleashes its latest concept Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, captivating audiences with tales of wonder and adventure. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool declared that the event marks Thailand’s 24th year at the ATM, showcasing TAT’s commitment to endless innovation in tourism. “Collaborating with the Phuket Tourist Association, we’ve…
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Daughter finds father after tragic suicide in Samut Songkhram
A tragic incident unfolded this morning when a daughter, returning from a hospital visit with medication for her ailing father, discovered his lifeless body at their home in Samut Songkhram province. Authorities identified the cause of death as suicide, noting the deceased had a history of mental health issues and previous suicide attempts. Police Lieutenant Chutima Banjongbur, Deputy Investigator at…
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Police seize over 1,000 Yaba pills in Phetchaburi drug sting
A drug sting in Phetcha Buri by Thai police earlier today saw the apprehension of a 28 year old man and his unsuspecting 24 year old girlfriend. The police had been tipped off about a planned drug transaction, with delivery in an Isuzu pickup truck near the Nong Buay Agricultural Market in Tha Yang. Upon receiving the intelligence, Police Colonel…
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Thai soldier and 12 friends accused of assaulting teenage boy
A Thai woman accused a soldier and 12 of his friends in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat of severely assaulting her 15 year old son, causing severe injuries to the teenage boy. The victim, identified as A, told Channel 3 that the soldier, Raphephat, repeatedly accused him of stealing a shirt despite his denials. Raphephat allegedly continued to…
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Sunken boat survivor recounts her harrowing experience
A chilling tale of a capsised tourist boat survivor off the coast of Trang speaks out against the delayed rescue efforts that led to the death of her mother in law, and her child contracting a severe lung infection. The incident unfolded near Pak Meng Bridge in the Mai Fat district on May 4 and resulted in 14 individuals fighting…
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Thai drug addict throws 1 year old boy into pond, killing victim
A Thai drug addict yesterday murdered his one year old employer’s son by throwing him into a pond in the eastern province of Rayong. The killer then enjoyed swimming in the pond after his horrific action as if nothing serious had happened. Officers from Klaeng Police Station responded to a murder report at a house in the Neunkho sub-district of…
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Prachuap Khiri Khan bar owner arrested for trafficking minors
Police in Prachuap Khiri Khan province arrested a karaoke bar owner for allegedly trafficking minors for sexual exploitation. A 15 year old victim was discovered among the individuals being forced to provide sexual services during the school holiday period. The operation, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s deputy commander, was initiated following a tip-off from an international anti-trafficking organisation. The…
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Uzbekistan tourist dies after ignoring rip current warning in Phuket
A strong rip current at Kata Noi Beach in Phuket claimed the life of a 41 year old Uzbekistan tourist. He was declared dead at Chalong Hospital yesterday afternoon following his encounter with the deadly current. His death was reported to Karon Police around 3.30pm. An investigation into Sadullo Tashtemirovich Saidov’s unfortunate demise revealed that he, along with a group…
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Thai ornament gold price hits 40,950 baht, investors watch closely
Gold prices in Thailand saw a continuous rise, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) marking the opening of the market with an uptick. Those interested in the precious metal would note the significant increase in the selling price of ornament gold, which reached 40,950 baht per baht-weight as of today, May 8, showing a 50 baht increase from the previous…
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Stepson stabbed stepmother over inheritance fears in Prachinburi
In a harrowing case of domestic violence, a 35 year old woman was critically injured after being stabbed by her stepson early this morning in Prachin Buri Province. He allegedly attacked his stepmother because he feared she might claim his inheritance. The assailant carried the injured woman on a motorcycle sidecar and left her outside a relative’s house before fleeing…
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Visa-free travel for Indian & Taiwanese visitors extended 6 months
Thai Cabinet extended visa-free travel for Indian and Taiwanese visitors by six months after the former period expires on May 10. The scheme is aimed at boosting Thai tourism and the economy. The Thai government initially introduced the visa-free policy for Indian and Taiwanese tourists in October last year. The measure was active from November 10 last year until this…
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Krabi’s cool facade cracks: Paradise threatened by water crisis
Krabi, a paradise of pristine beaches and azure waters, faces a chilling reality: a water crisis that could dry up its tourism fortunes. As demands for long-term solutions surge, local operators urge action to avert disaster. Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, acting president of the Krabi Tourism Association stated that the government pledged to make Thailand a tourism hub, and Krabi generates significant…
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Ex-MP takes legal action against Thai comedian Udom
Another complaint has been filed against Thai comedian Udom Taepanich. Parina Kraikupt, former Ratchaburi MP, initiated legal proceedings under Section 112 at the Po Tharam Police Station. The news of the incident was shared by the journalist Sarayuth Sutthasanachinda on his page. Parina posted following the uproar surrounding Udom, accompanied by the message: “Really can’t sleep, really want to rest,…
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Manhole mayhem: Thefts lead to deadly consequences in Bangkok
The theft of manhole covers in Bangkok has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to convene a meeting yesterday with all related agencies. The meeting aimed to devise strategies to prevent future thefts and enhance pedestrian safety on city pavements. The meeting led by BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Narong Ruangsri included representatives…
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Truck’s roof tears off in tunnel, hits motorcyclist in Chon Buri
A high-roofed, enclosed pickup truck caused a chaotic scene yesterday when the driver attempted to pass through a tunnel, resulting in its roof being torn off and crashing into a following motorcycle, injuring the rider. The incident occurred at approximately 10pm yesterday, May 7, at the Chak Samo tunnel in the Don Hua Lo sub-district, Mueang district, Chon Buri province.…
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Thai shippers forecast modest growth amid wage increase concern
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) projects a 1% to 2% growth in exports for the current year and urges a thoughtful approach to the proposed increase in the daily minimum wage, supplemented by government support via the wage committee mechanism. TNSC chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk anticipates a 1 to 2% increase in the nation’s exports by March this year. Chaichan…
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Thailand Video News | British Man Arrested at Phuket Airport for Possession of Cocaine, Thailand Extends Visa Exemption Program for Indian and Taiwanese Tourists
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay delve into the recent news from Thailand. Beginning with the nation has extended its visa exemption program for Indian and Taiwanese tourists, aiming to boost tourism. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra seeks a mediation role in Myanmar’s conflict, showcasing Thailand’s diplomatic engagement. However, challenges persist, with a Thai airline experiencing an engine failure…
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Mobile service market to grow 3 to 5% amid tourism surge
The annual growth rate for the mobile service market is forecasted to sit between 3 and 5% this year due to cost-cutting efforts by operators and an increase in mobile traffic and international roaming calls brought on by a surge in foreign tourists. Pisut Ngamvijitvong, a senior equity research analyst at Kasikorn Securities, asserts that these growth factors, along with…
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